ELFTin1Voice Choir Steal the Show at the Staff Awards

14 February 2019

The #ELFTin1Voice choir absolutely stole the show at ELFT's Staff Awards Ceremony which took place at The Barbican on 12 February. They sang 'Because You Knew Me, I've Been Changed,' from the musical Wicked.

Staff and service users came together back in November to plan for the performance. Prospective choir members were told no singing experience or specific talent was needed. Just enthusiasm to join with others in the joy of singing.

Stephen Sandford, Professional Lead for Allied Health Professionals, was the instigator of the #ELFTin1Voice initiative. Along with Imogen Dyer, a Music Therapist in the Trust and renowned choir leader Leanne Sedin, they held rehearsals for staff and service users in locations in Bedfordshire and East London starting back in November. The choir only came together and heard themselves sing together on the afternoon of the event, on stage at The Barbican. The result was breath-taking.

The ELFT Communications team did a sterling job putting together an image gallery which was displayed above the choir showing a year of the Trust in photographs. The combination of human voices and images of ELFT staff in action brought thunderous applause and a standing ovation for this powerful and stirring performance. Along with a few watery eyes!

There was a surprise for Stephen Sandford after the performance when it was revealed that it was his birthday. So the choir and all the audience joined in singing Happy Birthday to a very embarrassed Stephen!